Preparing for an interview www.scu.edu.au CRICOS Provider: 01241G Purpose of a job interview The job interview helps the employer to discover whether your skills, qualifications, motivations, attitude and ambitions are a good fit for the job, the organisation, and the organisation’s mission. It is also your opportunity to make sure that the organisation and role align with your expectations. Common interview formats • Phone, Skype, video • One-on-one • Panel • Group You should always enquire about the structure and process of the interview in advance. Interview tips • Be prepared – research the organisation beforehand. • Arrive early; give yourself at least 10 to 15 minutes to arrive before the scheduled interview time. • Turn your mobile phone off. • Dress appropriately – usually this means clean, ironed, business attire. Do not chew gum or smoke. • Find out who will be interviewing you, their name and title – check pronunciation of their name if in doubt. • Greet the interviewer by name, making eye contact with a firm handshake. • Smile! Be friendly, positive and enthusiastic. • Sit upright in your chair and watch body language throughout the interview. • Listen attentively. • Do not waffle – answer concisely, only including relevant information. • Feel comfortable with silence – it is perfectly okay to take a little time before answering a question so you are clear about what you want to say before talking. • Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you are unclear about what they are asking. Things to avoid • Answering a question with just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – always elaborate to highlight your suitability for the role. • Interrupting the interviewer – always wait until they have finished speaking. • Bad-mouthing or criticising a past employer or previous teacher or work colleague. • Exaggerating your abilities or lying about your previous experience and skills. Congratulations! You have made it this far in the selection process, and now it is time to develop your interview skills so you can truly shine.